Mark 10:43 - The Request of James and John
But it shall not be this way among you.
In the context of Mark 10, Jesus addresses His disciples after James and John request positions of honor in His glory. This phrase contrasts the worldly view of leadership and authority, where rulers often exercise power over others. Jesus emphasizes a different model for His followers, one that subverts societal norms. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of humility and service, as seen in Philippians 2:3-4, where believers are encouraged to consider others more significant than themselves.
Instead, whoever wants to become great among you
The desire for greatness is not condemned but redefined. In the cultural context of the time, greatness was often associated with power, wealth, and status. Jesus challenges this by suggesting that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured differently. This redefinition echoes the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, where the blessed are the meek and the poor in spirit. The call to greatness through service is a radical departure from the prevailing Greco-Roman values of honor and patronage.
must be your servant,
The term "servant" here is translated from the Greek word "diakonos," which implies one who serves or ministers to others. This concept is central to Jesus' ministry, as He Himself came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). The role of a servant in the first-century Jewish and Roman world was one of low status, often associated with manual labor and subordination. By using this term, Jesus elevates the role of a servant to a position of honor in His Kingdom. This teaching is further exemplified in John 13, where Jesus washes the disciples' feet, modeling servanthood. The call to servanthood is a call to emulate Christ, who is the ultimate servant leader, fulfilling the prophecy of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the nature of true greatness in the Kingdom of God.
2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are being instructed on the values of servanthood and humility.
3. James and John
Earlier in the chapter, they request positions of honor in Jesus' glory, prompting this teaching moment.
4. Jerusalem
The location towards which Jesus and His disciples are traveling, symbolizing the impending fulfillment of Jesus' mission.
5. Gentile Rulers
Referenced by Jesus as examples of worldly authority and power, contrasting with the Kingdom values He is teaching.
Teaching Points
Servanthood as Greatness
True greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured by one's willingness to serve others, not by status or power.
Counter-Cultural Values
Jesus' teaching challenges societal norms that equate greatness with authority and dominance.
Christ as the Model Servant
Jesus exemplifies the ultimate servant leadership, providing a model for us to follow in our daily lives.
Humility in Action
Embrace humility by seeking opportunities to serve others selflessly, reflecting Christ's love and character.
Leadership through Service
In any leadership role, prioritize serving those you lead, fostering a community of mutual respect and care.
(43) Shall be your minister.--Substantially the same as in St. Matthew, but note in both verses the variation, "shall be your minister," "shall be servant," instead of "let him be."
Verses 43, 44. - In these words our Lord enjoins him who is raised above others to conduct himself modestly and humbly; so as not to lord it over those beneath him, but to consider for them and to consult their security and happiness, and so to conduct himself that he may appear to be rather their minister and servant than their lord; ever remembering the golden rule, "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, even so do to them." At the same time, our Lord here teaches all alike, whether superiors or inferiors, by what way we should strive to reach heaven, so as to sit at the right or left hand of Christ in his kingdom, namely, by the way of humility. For those who are the lowliest and most humble here will be the greatest and most exalted there. Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
But
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.
it shall not be
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.
this way
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).
among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.
you.
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
Instead,
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.
whoever
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.
wants
θέλῃ (thelē)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.
to become
γενέσθαι (genesthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.
great
μέγας (megas)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.
among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.
you
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
must be
ἔσται (estai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.
your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
servant,
διάκονος (diakonos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1249: Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.
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Mark 10:43 Catholic BibleNT Gospels: Mark 10:43 But it shall not be so among (Mar Mk Mr)